Louis Rees-Zammit’s ambitious switch from rugby union to the NFL has come to an early close, with the Welsh star set to make a high-profile return to the sport where he made his name. The 24-year-old has walked away from his contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars just before the 2025 NFL season, citing a mix of injury setbacks, coaching changes, and fresh opportunities back in rugby.
Initially determined to give American football at least two seasons, Rees-Zammit had shown progress in Jacksonville, making the training squad. However, a back injury last month reduced his chances of making the active roster. The dismissal of the Jaguars’ coaching staff who brought him in also shifted his prospects, leading to a rethink.
Despite leaving behind a lucrative NFL salary, he has been linked with potential offers from both established rugby teams and new ventures such as the proposed R360 league, which could offer significant earnings for a short season. His return is being warmly welcomed, with national selectors already hinting at his inclusion for upcoming Autumn Nations games against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Rees-Zammit’s NFL journey was always going to be a steep climb. While his pace and athleticism are impressive by rugby standards, in the NFL he faced competition from hundreds of athletes with similar physical attributes but years of sport-specific skills. He struggled to settle into a defined role, being used in multiple positions without mastering one, and his recorded sprint times fell short of the league’s elite speed benchmarks.
Yet his time in America was far from wasted. Exposure to new training methods, tactical approaches, and mental challenges is expected to enhance his rugby game. Coaches believe he will return with improved agility, spatial awareness, and a matured mindset.
The main challenge now lies in securing a club contract. With most European rugby budgets already committed, options may be limited. Gloucester are believed to have first refusal, but interest is expected from other Premiership sides and possibly newly-backed teams eager for star power.
Rees-Zammit’s comeback promises a boost for Welsh rugby, both in morale and on-field excitement. His explosive style, combined with fresh experience from a different sport, could make him a standout performer ahead of the next World Cup cycle. What began as an American dream now looks set to reignite his career back where it started on the rugby field.
